Download Using the phet simulation build the following circuits:

Class Set: Station #1
Series vs Parallel Circuit
Compare and Contrast Series and Parallel Circuits: Using your notes, compare and contrast
series and parallel circuit behavior using a Venn Diagram. Draw and complete a Venn diagram in your
PJ.
Directions: Use the phet simulation (access on the student drive) to build the following circuits:
V2
V1
A2
A2
A3
A1
A3
A1
V1
V2
Vb
A4
A4
Vb
Analysis Questions: Answer using complete sentences in your PJ.
1. The circuit on the left is a series circuit and the circuit on the right is a parallel circuit. List at
least 2 major differences that distinguish the series circuit from the parallel circuit.
2. Use the voltmeter and ammeter to measure the current and voltage at the locations shown on
the diagram.
3. Why are the light bulbs are brighter on the parallel circuit?
4. What happens when you remove one of the light bulbs on the parallel circuit? Is this different
than removing a light bulb from the series circuit?
5. Do you think your kitchen is wired so that the appliances are in series with each other or
parallel? Why?
6. Add another light bulb to the series circuit, does the total current increase, decrease, or stay
the same?
7. Add another light bulb in parallel to the parallel circuit, does the total current increase,
decrease, or stay the same?
Applying these concepts. Assume that R1 has a resistance of 5Ω and that R2 has a
resistance of 10Ω.
Circuit A
Circuit B
R1
V
R2
V
R
1
8. Would R1 receive more current in circuit A or circuit B?
9. Which resistor(s) will drop the most voltage and which circuit is it in?
10. What would happen in each circuit if voltage were increased?
R2
V
Class Set: Station #2
Parallel Circuit Math
Analyze the following circuits and determine the reading of each ammeter and voltmeter.
A3
1.
V1
R1 = 2 Ω
100 V
V3
R2 = 4 Ω
V2
A1
A2
A4
2.
A4
V4
A2
R1 = 2 Ω
V1
V2
12 V
R2 = 4 Ω
A1
A5
V3
R3 = 3 Ω
A3
A6
Use the diagram below to answer questions 3 and 4.
V
R1
R2
3. If R1= 10 ohms and R2 = 2 ohms, answer the following questions.
a. How does the current through R1 compare to the current through R2? Explain.
b. How does voltage drop across R1 compare to voltage drop across R2? Explain.
c. How does the voltage drop across each resistor compare to the voltage gain across the
battery? Explain.
4. If R1 = 5 ohms and R2 = 15 ohms, answer the following questions.
a. How does the current through R1 compare to the current through R2? Explain.
b. How does voltage drop across R1 compare to voltage drop across R2? Explain.
c. How does the voltage drop across each resistor compare to the voltage gain across the
battery? Explain.
K Only
5.
A3
A1
V1
V3
A2
R1= 10 Ω
V2
R2= 40 Ω
A5
A4
V1
5V
R3 = 5 Ω
R2 = 10 Ω
A1
V4
8V
A4
6.
V3
V2
R1 = 10 Ω
A2
A3
A6
V5
Class Set: Station #3
Building Circuits
For this station we will be using a light board to build series and parallel circuits. You will use
ammeters and voltmeters to make specific measurements about current and voltage. Follow all of
these instructions precisely to avoid damaging any equipment, When in doubt ask a question!
You should have the following materials at your station.
 Ammeter (with 2 alligator clips)
 Voltmeter (with 2 alligator clips)
 Light board
 5 light bulbs
 Power supply
Voltmeter properly connected.
Tape the data collection sheet into your PJ so you can record data AND notes as you go through the
lab.
Part 1: Adding Resistors in Parallel
1. Configure the board with 1 light bulb, the power supply, and ammeter as shown below. The
ammeter will remain in this location for this entire section of the lab. Record the total current in
the circuit and the voltage drop across bulb 1.
2. Add a bulb in parallel. Record the total current in the circuit and the voltage drop across bulb 1
(previously inserted) and bulb 2 (the one you just added).
3. Add a third bulb in parallel. Record the new current in the circuit and the voltage drop across each
bulb.
4. Add a fourth bulb in parallel. Record the new current in the circuit and the voltage drop across
each bulb.
5. Add a fifth bulb in parallel. Record the new current in the circuit and the voltage drop across each
bulb.
Part 2: Adding Resistors in Series
6. Unplug the power supply. Use the black and red knobs on the light board to change the
configuration to a series circuit. Plug the power supply back in and record the current flowing
through the circuit and the voltage drop across the bulb.
7. Move the alligator clip to include a second bulb in series. Record the new current and the voltage
drop across bulb 1 and bulb 2.
8. Move the alligator clip to include a third bulb in series. Record the new current and the voltage
drop across each bulb.
9. Move the alligator clip to include a fourth bulb in series. Record the new current and the voltage
drop across each bulb.
10. Move the alligator clip to include a fifth bulb in series. Record the new current and the voltage
drop across each bulb.
Analysis Questions: Answer the following questions about the lab in your PJ.
1. How did the current change in the parallel circuit as bulbs were added?
2. How did the current change in the series circuit as bulbs were added?
3. How were the voltage drops effected as bulbs were added in parallel?
4. How were the voltage drops effected as bulbs were added in series?
5. How did the brightness of the bulbs change as bulbs were added in parallel?
6. How did the brightness of the bulbs change as bulbs were added in series?
7. What happens when you unscrew one of the bulbs when they are configured in parallel?
8. What happens when you unscrew one of the bulbs when they are configured in series?
9. Do your findings align with the rules you have learned about series and parallel circuits?
10. Try to figure out how much resistance is provided by each bulb show your work in your PJ.